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NEENAH - A Neenah woman hopes her love of parks will spread throughout the community, thanks in part to her gift of money to the city of Neenah.
It's one of the largest gifts the city has ever seen.
Alice Jean Smith who has lived most of her 87 years Neenah is donating $600,000 for a new park. The 3 acre park will be located on North Lake Street in Neenah.
It's now just vacant land, but within a year, it'll be a public park for all ages, thanks to the long-time Neenah resident. Alice Jean moved to Neenah with her parents when she was a teenager and has lived there ever since.
Her love for the city and memories of parks from her childhood home in Wisconsin Rapids are the reasons behind her generous gift.
"I always loved them. When I had a birthday party, we'd all go out to the park, we didn't do it at home," explained Alice Jean. "My mom, she'd fill the car a couple of times and go to the park. Everyone that went had a good time."
The park will be named after Alice Jean's parents, Herb and Dolly Smith. The city was aware of the anonymous donation a few months ago. But Alice Jean came forward after the city approved the project earlier this week.
"The piece of property was a perfect fit," explained City Councilman, Lee Hillstrom. "We didn't have a name for it, it wasn't going to be done for a long time and she was looking for something that was on the water and so it just fit perfectly."
The park is expected to have a picnic shelter and restrooms, a canoe and kayak launch, as well as bike and nature trails. Eventually, officials say, there will be a trestle and boardwalk connecting the park to Arrowhead Park in downtown Neenah.
And Alice Jean's making sure everyone will be able to enjoy what the park will have to offer.
"She asked that one of the long-term considerations for the fund was that transportation would be provided for her, for individuals living in assisted living facilities and other senior housing in Neenah and the surrounding area," said Community Foundation CEO, Curt Detjen.
The park's expected to be complete by this time next year. Alice Jean hopes it'll be a big hit.
"If they went once, they'll probably go again," Alice Jean said.
Alice Jean will participate in the park's design process. Any money left over will be used for maintenance of the park.
